IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Blooming artifact (CT)

Case contributed by Bálint Botz
Diagnosis not applicable

Presentation

A head CTA with significant atherosclerotic plaque formation was selected to illustrate the article about the CT blooming artifact.

ct

The first image shows a thick section axial reconstruction (W: 600 L: 200) where the ICA displays significant crescentic calcified plaque buildup on both sides. The narrow window width makes it impossible to estimate the size of the true lumen of the vessels due to the blooming artifact caused by the high density plaques. 

The second image is the same reconstruction but manually rewindowed (W: 1150 L: 550) to increase window width. Thus, the artifact is reduced, and the lumen can be better appreciated (note that neither images are of diagnostic quality).

Case Discussion

Demonstration of the CT blooming artifact. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.